Q&A With Fernanda Tapia of FernCooks!

This Boston-based chef creates innovative meals inspired by South American and Middle Eastern cuisine. Two-time winner of the Food Network cooking competition 'Chopped', Fern creates exquisite dining experiences for her clients and hosts cooking classes.

Q. What is your passion? Tell us about it.

A. Food. I can talk food all day everyday.

Q. What inspired you to pursue this passion? Tell us the story.

A. As a kid, my dad and I really connected over going out to restaurants, fish markets, and trying out new and unusual dishes. It really lit a fire in me as kid and helped me develop an appreciation and love for food.

Q. What makes your creations unique?

A. I mix a lot of different spices and texture to create something unique and special while still feeling approachable. I get bored easily so I am always looking to create new recipes and dishes.

Q. Tell us about your creative process.

A. [Sometimes,] it starts with a single ingredient. As weird as it may sound, when I think of an ingredient I can actually taste it in my head. From that one ingredient, a whole dish will develop to highlight that particular ingredient, its flavor, and texture. Other times it starts with a food memory from when I was young or some place I have visited. That memory will [inspire] a while dish that wont taste or look like the original, but it feels familiar like that memory.

Q. Who is your audience? How do you engage them?

A. People in Boston who want an incredible dining experience at home. Also people who want to bring some of my flavors home through my retail line (hot sauce, spice mix, and chocolate bark). I don't really advertise other than my website and my instagram.

Q. What experience does your passion create? What can recipients expect?

A. I think food can really bring people together and provide a lot of happiness (even if its short lived). It is really [fulfilling] that my food can provide a small escape from the craziness of every day life.

Q. Where can your creations be found?

A. On my website www.ferncooks.com or on my insta @fern_cooks.

Q. What is next?

A. I am super excited about this hot sauce line I created called Tapi Papi. It is currently in two stores in MA and for sale on my website. My goal is to get in a lot more stores this year!

Click here to purchase Tapi Papi hot sauce!